Switzerland, Uganda · Wildlife Safari

8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari with Gorilla Trekking and Kazinga Cruise

8 Days Round trip from RV6X+CXH Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Lake Mburo National Park, famous for its zebra population
02 Experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
03 Search for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
04 Cruise along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel
05 Discover Kibale Forest National Park, the "Primate Capital"
06 Take a nature walk in Bigodi Wetland

Embark on an exhilarating 8-day safari through Uganda's spectacular national parks. Explore Lake Mburo National Park, famous for its zebra population, trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to encounter majestic mountain gorillas, and search for the rare tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Cruise along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel and continue to Kibale Forest National Park, the "Primate Capital," for chimpanzee trekking and a nature walk in Bigodi Wetland.

Upon reaching the gorillas, you will have one hour with them, enabling you to sit and watch them as they interact with each other and communicate.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Biel, Kampala, Entebbe, Geneva, Neuchatel, Zurich, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our guide, who will meet and greet you before driving you to your hotel in Entebbe to freshen up and later enjoy breakfast before setting off on your journey to the wild.
Following breakfast as early as 6:00 am, our driver will pick you up for a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park.
Along the way, a stopover at the drum makers' center in Mpambire is epic and unavoidable, as well as a stop at the Equator for amazing and memorable photographic scenes.
On arrival at the park, proceed to check in at the lodge, followed by lunch, as you prepare for the afternoon game drive experience in search of various animals, including the prominent zebras sighted almost everywhere in the park.
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at Mihingo Lodge (Luxury) or Lake Mburo Safari Lodge (Mid-range).

Day 02

Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Enjoy an orientation walk of Zurich's Old Town, Switzerland's center of banking and commerce.
Then, leave Zurich and start your Swiss adventure.
You'll quickly discover that Switzerland isn't just home to the Alps, but also to some of the most beautiful lakes.
First, stop at the foot of the Jura Mountains in the picturesque town of Biel, known as Bienne by French-speaking Swiss, famous for watch-making, and explore the historical center.
Next, enjoy a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel, dominated by the medieval cathedral and castle.
Take time to stroll along the lake promenade before continuing to stunning Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland, with its fantastic lakeside location and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps.

Day 03

Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Community Visit

Wake up very early and have your breakfast before heading to the park offices for a briefing at 8:00 am.
After this, you will be accompanied by armed ranger guides into the forest to search for the mountain gorillas.
You will pass through the forest, slashing at the undergrowth and parting thick creepers as you track the gorillas. The time taken to track them is unpredictable since it depends on their movements in search of food and shelter.
However, it can take from 2 to 9 hours.
Upon reaching the gorillas, you will have one hour with them, enabling you to sit and watch them as they interact with each other and communicate. You are also free to take photographs and videos.
Return to your lodge, freshen up, and head out for a community visit to the Batwa pygmies, the early dwellers of Bwindi Forest. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 04

Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy your breakfast and thereafter drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the isolated Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions.
Following the search for and sightings of the tree-climbing lions, you will proceed for lunch before continuing your journey to the main parkland, where you will have an opportunity to sight a variety of wildlife species such as elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, lions, and many others during your game drive the next day.
On arrival at the park, check in at your accommodation standing above the Kazinga Channel, where wildlife is regularly spotted from your verandah.
Dinner and overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury), Park View Lodge/Eganzi Lodge (Mid-range), or Simba Safari Lodge (Budget).

Day 05

Savannah Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin your day with a cup of coffee before stepping out for an early morning game drive in the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park to catch a glimpse of the early morning risers, including lions and leopards hunting their prey. Watch the impala skipping around as the giraffe makes a lonely journey towards the river, while solitary buffaloes, kobs, and elephant herds are seen on the move, their footsteps sending a perceptible rumble across the savannah.
It is such a great and exciting time as you watch these animals closely.
Later in the day, retire to the lodge for a late breakfast followed by lunch as you prepare to sail along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise that reveals a succession of giants.
Elephant herds squirt water on the banks as large hippo pods roll on sandbanks, and crocodiles bathe in the sun.
Some hippos leave the water to wander across the savannah and barge past a series of ungulates also in search of water.
This is also a bird haven with a variety of birds, including malachite kingfishers and pink-backed pelicans, to mention but a few.
Have dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge in the park.
Dinner and overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury), Park View Lodge/Eganzi Lodge (Mid-range), or Simba Safari Lodge (Budget).

Day 06

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Wake up early and prepare for a tasty African breakfast. Following breakfast, hit the road for your journey northwards in search of the "Primate Capital," Kibale Forest National Park, harboring 13 primate species, including the incredible chimpanzees that will wrap up your Pearl of Africa trip.
On arrival, proceed to check in at the lodge, followed by an evening of relaxation as you get ready for the chimpanzee tracking experience the following morning.
Dine and slumber at Primate Lodge (Luxury), Isunga Lodge (Mid-range), or Rwetera Lodge (Budget).

Day 07

Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk

After an early breakfast, take a short drive to Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing, then head out for a trek in search of chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, and the black-and-white colobus monkeys.
The forest is popularly known for having the largest diversity as well as the highest numbers of primates in East Africa. You also have the advantage of seeing many birds and an array of butterflies.
After trekking, return for lunch at the lodge and go for a nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland in the afternoon.
You will meet different people who live there, as well as spot different birds like the Great Blue Turaco and more primates such as baboons, among others.
Dine and slumber at Primate Lodge (Luxury), Isunga Lodge (Mid-range), or Rwetera Lodge (Budget).

Day 08

Return to Entebbe and Departure

Following breakfast, start your journey back to Kampala via Mubende with beautiful scenic views.
Stop over in Mubende for lunch and then continue your journey to Entebbe.
If time permits, it is possible to stop in Kampala for souvenir shopping.
You are then transferred to Entebbe International Airport to connect with your departure flight.

Where this trip takes you

Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Ishasha sector, Kazinga Channel

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from RV6X+CXH 10 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport transfer
All accommodation during the trip
All meals
Gorilla trekking permit
All park fees
Professional guide
Drinking water

What's Not Included

Other activities not mentioned
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Services before and after the trip

Know before you go

Kampala, the capital and vibrant city, is the Alpha and Omega of this 8-day incredible Pearl of Africa primate safari, as well as a lasting adventure. Explore the western national parks, including beautiful Lake Mburo National Park, which sits at 371 sq km and is famous for zebras. You will also experience the "Primate Capital," Kibale Forest National Park, prominent for harboring 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, as well as the "Medley Wonders" of Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife game drives, tree-climbing lions, and the Kazinga Channel. Furthermore, you will visit the amazing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, popularly known for harboring the highest number of these gentle giants in the world, as well as hosting most of the gorilla-related vacations in Uganda and a variety of birds. The trip offers you a stay in the jewel of the forest, surrounded by lush impenetrable vegetation.

Logistics